24366, Rocky Gap, Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 24366, Rocky Gap, Virginia is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 24366

This review assesses the healthcare landscape surrounding ZIP code 24366, focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and the overall health score available to residents. The analysis considers factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and the availability of telehealth services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview to help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare options.

**The Landscape: Key Players and Their Reach**

The area around 24366, encompassing the town of Pulaski, Virginia, and surrounding communities, is served by a network of hospitals, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Proximity to larger urban centers like Roanoke and Blacksburg expands the options, but travel time and transportation access become significant considerations. The primary players in this region include LewisGale Hospital Pulaski and Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, among others.

**LewisGale Hospital Pulaski: A Community Anchor**

LewisGale Hospital Pulaski is a crucial healthcare provider for the immediate area. While not a flagship hospital in the sense of a major academic medical center, it plays a vital role in delivering essential services. The hospital is a part of the LewisGale Regional Health System, which is part of HCA Healthcare.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:**

As of the latest available data, LewisGale Hospital Pulaski has a CMS star rating. This rating, based on a five-star scale, reflects the hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. The exact star rating fluctuates, so it's essential to consult the most recent CMS data for the most accurate assessment.

**Emergency Department Performance:**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor for many patients. Data on average ER wait times at LewisGale Hospital Pulaski can be found on the hospital's website or through sources like the CMS Hospital Compare website. Shorter wait times generally indicate a more efficient ER and faster access to care.

**Specialty Services and Centers:**

LewisGale Hospital Pulaski offers a range of specialty services. These include cardiology, orthopedics, and general surgery. The availability of these services locally can significantly reduce the need for travel to larger hospitals for specialized care. Information on specific specialty centers, such as a dedicated heart center or cancer center, can be found on the hospital's website.

**Telehealth Integration:**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. LewisGale Hospital Pulaski likely offers some telehealth services, such as virtual consultations with specialists or remote monitoring of patients. The extent of these services and the specialties covered should be verified directly with the hospital.

**Carilion New River Valley Medical Center: A Broader Network**

Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, located in nearby Christiansburg, Virginia, is another significant healthcare provider for residents near 24366. As part of the larger Carilion Clinic network, it offers access to a wider range of resources and expertise.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:**

Carilion New River Valley Medical Center also has a CMS star rating. The hospital's performance on quality metrics, including patient safety and outcomes, can be compared to other hospitals in the region and across the state.

**Emergency Department Performance:**

ER wait times at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center are a critical factor for residents seeking immediate care. Data on average wait times should be readily available through the hospital or CMS resources.

**Specialty Services and Centers:**

Carilion New River Valley Medical Center boasts a broader array of specialty services compared to smaller community hospitals. This may include advanced cardiac care, neurosurgery, and comprehensive cancer treatment options. Detailed information on specific specialty centers and their capabilities can be found on the Carilion Clinic website.

**Telehealth Integration:**

Carilion Clinic has a strong telehealth program, offering virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and other services. The availability of telehealth services through Carilion New River Valley Medical Center allows patients to access care from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for travel.

**Other Hospitals and Healthcare Providers:**

Beyond LewisGale Hospital Pulaski and Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, residents near 24366 have access to other healthcare providers. These include smaller community hospitals, urgent care centers, and physician practices. The availability of these options can vary depending on the specific location within the ZIP code area.

**Accessibility and Transportation Considerations:**

Accessibility is a crucial factor in evaluating healthcare options. Residents of 24366 may face challenges related to transportation, particularly those in rural areas or with limited mobility. Public transportation options may be limited, and driving distances to hospitals and specialists can be significant.

**Telehealth's Role in Bridging the Gap:**

Telehealth services can play a vital role in addressing accessibility challenges. Virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telehealth options can reduce the need for travel and improve access to care for residents of 24366.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

The overall health score for residents near 24366 is a composite measure that considers various factors, including hospital quality, accessibility, and the availability of specialty services.

**Strengths:**

* **Community Hospitals:** The presence of LewisGale Hospital Pulaski provides essential healthcare services within the immediate area.
* **Carilion Clinic Network:** Proximity to Carilion New River Valley Medical Center and the broader Carilion Clinic network offers access to a wider range of specialists and advanced care.
* **Telehealth Expansion:** The growing availability of telehealth services, particularly through Carilion Clinic, enhances access to care and reduces the need for travel.

**Weaknesses:**

* **Limited Options:** While there are hospitals in the region, the number of options is limited compared to more densely populated areas.
* **Transportation Challenges:** Rural locations may have limited access to transportation, making it difficult for some residents to reach healthcare providers.
* **Specialty Care Limitations:** The availability of certain highly specialized services may be limited within the immediate area, requiring travel to larger medical centers.

**Recommendations:**

* **Research Hospital Quality:** Residents should research the CMS star ratings and other quality metrics for hospitals in the area to assess their performance.
* **Consider ER Wait Times:** When seeking emergency care, consider ER wait times at different hospitals to ensure timely access to care.
* **Explore Telehealth Options:** Utilize telehealth services to access specialist consultations, remote monitoring, and other care options from the comfort of home.
* **Plan for Transportation:** Consider transportation options, particularly for those with limited mobility or who live in rural areas.
* **Check for Specific Needs:** Confirm the availability of specific specialty services needed by consulting the hospital's website or contacting the hospital directly.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near ZIP code 24366 offers a mix of strengths and weaknesses. While community hospitals provide essential services, access to specialized care and transportation challenges remain. The growth of telehealth services offers a promising avenue for improving access to care. Residents should carefully consider their individual healthcare needs and preferences when making decisions about their healthcare providers. The overall health score for this area is reasonable, with the potential for improvement through continued investment in healthcare infrastructure and the expansion of telehealth services.